Magomed Ankalaev made the biggest jump of anyone in the year-plus history of our Sweet 16 MMA pound-for-pound rankings. Ankalaev won the UFC light heavyweight title on March 8 in Las Vegas by defeating Alex Pereira by unanimous decision, debuts in the rankings at No. 4.
Ankalaev had been previously unranked, but defeating Pereira was a huge statement. Flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja dropped out with Ankalaev's entrance. Pereira dropped from No. 4 to No. 6.
Last Updated: May 13 2025 5:51 pm